Located on the Stanislaus River just 9 miles from Sonora, New Melones Lake makes a convenient
destination for people living in central California, from Merced to Sacramento and west to the Bay Area. The reservoir is
operated by the Bureau of Reclamation.

There is an entrance gate that closes at night. Although you can exit at
any time, be sure to check the hours the gate is open when planning your arrival. From May 1 to September 30 the gate
is closed from 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM. In April and October it closes at 10:00 PM and from November 1 - March 31, 9:00 PM.

New Melones Lake Fees

Day Use - $8

Day Use + Boat Launch - $10

Annual Day-Use Pass - $50

Annual Day-Use and Boat Launch Pass - $70

Boating New Melones Lake

New Melones Lake is popular with boaters who like to spread out and explore long twisting arms or dip
into secluded bays. Smooth water is great for water skiing, wake boarding, and jet skiing. Houseboats are common on the
lake as well as sailboats, kayaks, canoes, and rafts.

Marinas

New Melones Lake Marina is the only one on the lake. They provide everything a boater would need from dockside fuel to
boat rentals, from slips and moorings to launch ramps. There are 6 launch ramps located around the lake, although
they can become a little bit congested on holiday weekends. Overnight vehicle and trailer parking is allowed at
any launch ramp.

Fishing

New Melones Lake rewards all kinds of anglers. Bass fishermen will find a good population of
small and largemouths, while trout enthusiasts will land both brown and rainbows. Other fish in the lake include catfish,
crappies, and bluegill.

Campgrounds

There are two major campground areas located on New Melones Lake, one in the Tuttletown Recreation
Area and the other at the Glory Hole Recreation Area. Tuttletown has three campgrounds and Glory Hole has two. There are a number of private RV parks and campgrounds along the Highway 49 corridor near
New Melones Lake.

Lodging

There is no lodging right at New Melones Lake, but ample lodging at reasonable prices can be found in nearby Columbia,
Sonora, Angels Camp, and Murphys.

Scenery

New Melones Lake resembles many of California's other foothill reservoirs. Scattered oaks
dot the surrounding hills. In late summer as water levels drop, expanses of barren shore begin to appear. The
Highway 49 bridge and the Parrott's Ferry bridge across the lake provide a dramatic scenes for boaters exploring
the main Stanislaus arm.

Nearby Communities

Nine miles to the south of the lake are the gold rush towns of Columbia and Sonora. Columbia is now a State
Park, open to the public without charge. Both communities are rich in history. To the north is Angels Camp,
home of the famous Jumping Frog contest held every May. And just a few miles east of Angels lies Murphys,
another gold rush town with something of interest always going on. Only a short distance to the west is the grand city of Stockton.

Stockton is home to beautiful shaded parks, professional sports, the Stockton waterfront, art and music, and the University of the Pacific and Delta College. Discover it all on our sister website Stockton Treasures.

Sunshine Rafting Adventures

Sunshine Rafting Adventures provides affordable, family-friendly rafting trips on the Stanislaus River out of Knights Ferry, CA. These class I-II self-guided trips last 3-5 hours and consist of a 7.5-mile float down the scenic Stanislaus River. Paddles, life jackets, boats, shuttle and parking are all included. Find more at Knights Ferry Rafting.

Other Recreation at New Melones Lake

Many opportunities for recreation activities are available at New Melones Lake. The Visitors Center
next to Highway 49 on the south side of the bridge is a good place to begin. Among the activities
offered at New Melones are

Hiking and Bike Riding

Ranger led Nature and History Hikes

Picnicking and Swimming

Summer Campfire Programs

Junior Rangers

Close to the lake are many other recreation destinations such as Moaning Caverns, Columbia State
Historic Park, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park.

Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible for errors or changes that may have occurred since publication. Always confirm information with the service provider and check for any recent changes that may have been made. The information provided on this website is done so without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.